Cristian Gnaticov wrote:BMW has not graced us yet with an M7, but it continues to work with Alpina to give us the best alternative, with their new B7 xDrive.
The third generation of the full-sized luxury sedan uses a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, connected to an 8-speed Sport Automatic Transmission with Alpina Switch-Tronic made in collaboration with ZF, that delivers an impressive 600PS (592hp), between 5,750 and 6,250rpm, and 590lb-ft (800Nm) of torque, available from 3,000rpm.
The figures were achieved by performing a number of technical upgrades in the air intake, intercooler, turbocharging, pistons and sports exhaust system and they allow the "BMW M7" to go from naught to 60mph (96km/h) in just 3.6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 193mph (311km/h - preliminary figure).
Not until long ago, these were considered supercar figures, but they can be achieved in the tweaked BMW 7-Series and controlled by switching the Driving Dynamic Control between Comfort and Sport Mode.
Modifications were made to the suspension system too, but the focus was to retain "he exceptional long-distance cruising comfort of the predecessor while at the same time significantly sharpening tthe agility, handling and lateral dynamics". Adaptive dampers, active roll bars and four-wheel steering are present as well.
The car rides on 20-inch Alpina Classic wheels, wrapped in 255/40 front and 295/35 rear Michelin performance tires that cover the 15.5-inch front (with four-piston fixed calipers) and 14.5-inch rear (with floating calipers) high-performance braking system. Optional 21-inch forged wheels are available.
On the outside, the car has maintained the BMW kidney grille, which was fitted with "an integrated air flap control system that adapts to the BMW Alpina B7 xDrive's cooling needs", while it also sports two elliptical twin tailpipes, integrated in the rear apron. The design is complemented by the bespoke Alpina Blue Metallic and Alpina Green Metallic paints.
An extensive range of standard equipment is offered inside, including high-end Nappa leather, ceramic inserts, soft close doors, comfort seats, leather-wrapped instrument panel, full-color HUD, rearview camera, latest BMW navigation, communication and infotainment systems.
Other goodies found are the sports steering wheel with blue and green stitching, Timeless Piano lacquer or classic Myrtle Luxury Wood, door sills with blue illumination, Alpina B7 model inscriptions and full-color digital instrument panel in LED technology.
In Comfort Mode, the car has a classical look with round instruments, blue background and red needles, while in Sport mode, the design changes to blue and green drag indicators and focuses on primary information, such as the centrally positioned permanent digital speed read-out.
The new Alpina B7 should make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, in early March, before heading to the New York Auto Show later in the same month.
